The family of 90-year-old Chief Opral Benson, a prominent Lagos socialite, has expressed deep concern after she was located in Monrovia, Liberia. This follows days of distress after she was reported missing from her home on January 13, 2025.
In a statement, her daughter, Bimbo Benson, confirmed contact was made and that her mother is physically well. However, she raised a serious alarm, stating that during a phone call, Benson believed she was in Ikoyi, Lagos, and seemed unaware she was actually in Liberia.
Key points from the family's statement include:
* The family finds it "deeply troubling" that she was transported out of Nigeria without their knowledge.
* They urged individuals they describe as "opportunists" to cease surrounding or exploiting her.
* They called for prayers for her safe and timely return to Nigeria.
Contrasting this, the African Refugees Foundation (AREF) issued a statement confirming Benson's presence in Liberia, asserting it is "voluntary and known." The foundation urged the public to disregard alarming reports and avoid spreading unverified information.
Background
Chief Opral Benson, the American-Liberian-born widow of former minister T.O.S. Benson, is a respected entrepreneur and traditional title holder (Iya Oge of Lagos). She last visited Liberia over a decade ago and was honored by the Liberian president during her 90th birthday celebration in Lagos last year.
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